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White Sox to continue partnership with Misericordia on 'Gate Greeter' program

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Press Release |

CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox and Misericordia will continue the 'Gate Greeter' program at U.S. Cellular Field during the 2014 baseball season, with support from ComEd.

Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged.

The White Sox/Misericordia Gate Greeter program, which began this season and included 20 games, paired 11 Misericordia residents with White Sox front office staff members, to welcome fans and provide ballpark information during a select number of home games at U.S. Cellular Field. The partnership aims to provide meaningful work experience for members of the Misericordia community.

"It is truly our organization's honor to partner with Misericordia on the Gate Greeter program at the ballpark," said Christine O'Reilly, White Sox senior director of community relations. "Misericordia is an organization that is making a profound impact on the lives of so many people, and this program, which was made possible with the support of ComEd, allows members of their community to play an important role at the ballpark."

"We at Misericordia are so grateful to the White Sox and ComEd for providing this exciting employment opportunity for our resident workers," said Michael Diaz Jr., developmental training administrator for Misericordia. "As Gate Greeters, our residents have a true employment purpose, that being to enhance the game day experience of fans through customer service and courtesy. They get to be a part of the team each shift they work, a feeling strengthened by the White Sox staff being so welcoming and supportive. We feel truly blessed in this partnership."

"ComEd is committed to collaborating with a variety of organizations to benefit the communities we serve," said Fidel Marquez, senior vice president of governmental and external affairs, ComEd. "Our Gate Greeters partnership with Misericordia and the White Sox not only benefits both those organizations but provides a friendly welcome to all baseball fans, who come to enjoy a game. It's also a positive extension of our Energy Force program, in which individuals with developmental disabilities help ComEd to teach our customers about energy efficiency."